Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly has sparked controversy by telling country music artist Shaboozey to "sing for me, b----" while criticising Grammy-award winners who "don't know anything about politics." The heated exchange comes after Shaboozey, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, declared that "immigrants built this country" during his acceptance speech for best country duo at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Kelly's Blunt Criticism
During her SiriusXM show, Kelly made her position clear: "The only one who I knew was Shaboozey, whose music I like. He will sing for me, b----. He will sing. Do it now: play, that's it." While acknowledging she appreciates the country star's musical talent, Kelly expressed complete disinterest in his political opinions.
"I really don't give a s--- about what their feelings are in politics, I will listen to them sing," Kelly stated bluntly. "I won't pay the money to listen to it, because I won't support them. But I do feel the need to mock them, that they think they can come into our lane and talk politics."
Immigration Comments Spark Backlash
Kelly took particular issue with Shaboozey's immigration remarks, calling them "freaking dishonest." She argued: "It has nothing to do with immigrants. There are lots of immigrants in the country right now. We don't bother them. They came in legally. They jumped through the right hoops. We don't bother them," while noting that First Lady Melania Trump is an immigrant.
"It's the ILLEGAL immigrants who need to get the F out and so like, this is just so blatantly dishonest. He's dumb or dishonest," Kelly concluded about the musician's comments.
Shaboozey's Speech and Apology
During his acceptance speech for best country duo/group performance for his song 'Amen' with Jelly Roll, Shaboozey had declared: "Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them." These words drew criticism from multiple directions, including from some on the left who felt the statement overlooked the contributions of black Americans to nation-building.
Following the backlash, Shaboozey issued a clarification on social media: "I want to be clear and unequivocal: Foundational Black Americans built this country. Period. My words were not meant to erase, diminish, or overlook that truth, and I sincerely apologize for how they came across. That history, sacrifice, and resilience are undeniable, and I should have been more intentional in honoring that in my moment on stage."
Grammys Become Political Battleground
The controversy forms part of a broader pattern of political statements at this year's Grammy Awards. Host Trevor Noah made pointed jokes about former President Donald Trump and Bill Clinton in relation to recently released Epstein documents, quipping: "Song of the Year, that is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because Epstein's island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton."
Trump responded angrily on social media, threatening to sue "total loser" Noah and calling the Grammys "virtually unwatchable." The former president has already threatened legal action against the Epstein estate for what he claims was conspiracy with anti-Trump author Michael Wolff "to hurt me politically."
Other Political Statements
Several other artists made political statements during the ceremony. Billie Eilish, while accepting Song Of The Year for WILDFLOWER, declared: "No human is illegal on stolen land" and said "f*** ICE," though the latter was censored during broadcast. The 24-year-old added: "I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter."
Bad Bunny also made his political stance clear when accepting Best Música Urbana Album, beginning his speech with "ICE out" before receiving massive applause. The Puerto Rican superstar told the audience: "Immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not savage, animals, or aliens and that they are in fact, Americans." He urged positivity, saying: "The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love."
Many artists at the event wore "ICE out" pins following controversial actions by the immigration enforcement agency, demonstrating how the Grammys have become an increasingly politicised platform for celebrity activism and social commentary.
